Clean-up of the Bornholm CW Dumpsite: towards the Optimum Decision

MIREMAR - Conference

Based on results of the EC funded project MERCW (http://mercw.org), it became clear that a catastrophic scenario of further behaviour of the buried chemical munitions (CW) is unlikely. The question is what to do with the remaining CW.

Abstract

Based on results of the EC funded project MERCW (http://mercw.org), it became clear that a catastrophic scenario of further behaviour of the buried chemical munitions (CW) is unlikely. The question is what to do with the remaining CW. The only opinion supported by every party involved is to continue monitoring. Thus, it is reasonable to discuss a suitable monitoring program: realisation of new methods to detect the disposal of CW, to quantify the contamination of bottom sediments, to study and classify sources of gases.

Special steps should also be made towards determining the best (i.e. the safest) technologies for cleaning the seabed. Sampling of CW in the upper sediment layer suppose some kind of removal of dangerous objects accompanied by specific influence on the environment. Safe CW sampling, analysis and impact evaluation are the next tasks necessary for developing future plans for cleaning the Bornholm dumpsite.

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MIREMAR CONFERENCE

Lectures and Presentations of the International Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea (MIREMAR) 16th to 18th November 2010 in Neumünster, Germany